King Bike Ducati, from Rust to Street-Prowling Glory

Giorgio Mantovan has been serving in World Superbike since about nine years, and it certainly had an impact on him as customizer. The first project is called Italian KB, short for “King Bike” (workshop Giorgio Mantovan).

As a donor was used bike Ducati Monster 1995 release. Giorgio Mantovani motorcycle cleaned of rust and gave him back his former glory. Italian customizer to start completely disassembled Ducati to process parts sandblasting and paint powder. Some details of Giorgio replaced to give the bike aggressiveness. So he set the slipper clutch and custom exhaust, which is produced from the workshop guys RC67. Now that the design and appearance of the motorcycle brought to the ideal, Giorgio plans to do the tuning of the engine, to add motorcycle power and aggression.

from BIKEGLAM

PACKING YOUR ADVENTURE BIKE “MULE”

How one man prepared his bike for a 15,000 mile adventure trip.

By Helge Pedersen

World traveler Helge Pedersen shares what he loaded onto his 2012 BMW R1200GS before embarking on his adventure trip from Seattle to Tierra del Fuego.

1) The Think Tank Retrospective 30 camera shoulder bag carries all my paperwork, electronics and camera gear. Fits in the panniers perfectly.

2) Video camera and more electronics. The curse of today’s electronics is all the chargers you need for the GPS, cameras, video, cell phone and computer.

3) Even with the best GPS, I always carry paper maps. I also bring prints of people I’ve photographed on previous trips to hand out if I see them again.

4) CO2 cartridges (45g) will set the tire’s bead, while a stripped-down electric air pump bring tires up to correct pressure. Why electric? With my old hand-held pump, it took me 470 strokes to get proper pressure in my rear tire!

5) BMW crate straps to tie down the GS on ferries. And don’t leave home without a complete set of spare brake pads.

6) Better living through chemicals. My essential kit includes J-B Weld 5-minute epoxy, QuikSteel epoxy putty and silicone to waterproof a pannier that has been damaged in a crash.

7) Only bring tools you’ll need. Don’t bring tools that do not fit your bike.

8) This camera backpack, the Lowepro Vertex 300 AW, goes on the back of the bike. My computer fits in the top lid, while DSLR camera and lenses are stored safely inside. Custom buckles secure it to bike. Has a rain cover.

9) Personal hygiene items, including medicines and sink stopper. I wash underwear, socks and T-shirt every night, hence the sink stopper. Roll wet clothes in towel before hanging for overnight drying…it works like a charm.

10) Two spare pairs of underwear and socks, plus two T-shirts, extra riding gloves and a visor.

11) I choose the smallest panniers available: Touratech Zega Pros. You’ll always fill whatever size you get, so choose the smallest available to keep weight and size down. I pack front and rear tubes on one side, and an Aerostich lightweight bike cover on the other. With cover on, the bike is essentially out of sight, so it’s a great anti-theft measure. And use it as a ground cover when you repair a puncture.

Check out Gelande/Strasse for a look at his world travels in photos.
 

Top Fuell

Les premiers tours de roues de Renaud Lavillenie / Maiden track run for Renaud Lavillenie

The French champion pole-vaulter Renaud Lavillenie has kicked off his preparations for the 77th Bol d’Or for which he has been entered as reserve rider for Team AZ Moto Expert. Last week saw him try the N°63 Suzuki at a two-day test that was marked by delicate weather conditions.

Le perchiste clermontois, Renaud Lavillenie, a entamé sa préparation pour la 77ème édition du Bol d’Or où il sera pilote remplaçant du Team AZ Moto Expert. La semaine dernière, il a pris les commandes de la Suzuki n°63 lors de deux journées d’essais marquées par des conditions météorologiques délicates.

Renaud Lavillenie would no doubt have preferred milder conditions for his first encounter with the N°63 Suzuki GSXR1000. Instead, he had to cope with the incessant rain, wind and bitter cold which marked last week’s visit to Magny-Cours, France. It was by no means easy, but at least the pole-vaulter was reassured by the experience.

“I felt good,” he commented. “The Suzuki is a big step from the Gladius I raced at the last round of the 2012 Twin Cup series. It is competitive and well prepared, so I was able to get on with my task and put the weather to the back of my mind. I enjoyed every lap…”

“Renaud is a surprisingly quick learner,” noted AZ Moto Expert rider and Renaud’s coach, Stéphane Mezard. “He found the correct position at once and spent two days riding in the wet, but he took the track conditions in his stride. The next step will be to test the bike in the dry in order to explore his limits. Renaud is very strong mentally and that should help him progress by taking things one step at a time. He needs to work on the way he shifts on the bike and how he brakes.”

Braking was effectively the biggest difficulty faced by Renaud. “I had trouble braking hard,” he admitted. “I lifted too soon and easily lost one or two seconds in places. I don’t have enough confidence in the tyres and bike yet. I prefer to take my time because I don’t want to fall. I will also need to learn the track so that I can fine-tune my style and lines…”

Hopefully, the Frenchman will get a chance to continue the familiarisation process in better conditions at Issoire, near Clermont-Ferrand, and at Magny-Cours during a three-day tuition course. “I need track time to improve the way I ride. The Bol d’Or is looming fast and I can’t wait. I’ve already worked at the race and now I will get a chance to lap with the discipline’s top drivers. I intend to make the most of the opportunity before the pole-vaulting season begins again.”

Renaud Lavillenie aurait certainement préféré de meilleures conditions pour son baptême au guidon de la Suzuki GSXR1000 frappée du numéro 63. Le champion de saut à la perche a bravé la pluie, le vent et le froid pour ces premiers essais sur le circuit de Magny-Cours. Pas facile d’être un pilote dans ces conditions mais les sensations sont là et c’est l’essentiel pour Renaud.

« J’ai un bon feeling avec la moto, ça change de la Gladius (modèle avec lequel il a participé à la dernière épreuve de la Twin Cup en 2012). La moto est compétitive et bien préparée ce qui me permet d’évoluer dans des bonnes conditions en faisant abstraction de la météo. Je prends énormément de plaisir à chaque tour » explique Renaud.

« Il m’a bufflé, il apprend très vite » reconnait Stéphane Mezard, pilote AZ Moto Expert et coach de Renaud. « Il a immédiatement adopté la bonne position. Il a roulé deux jours sous la pluie, il a su gérer ces conditions de piste. Il faut désormais qu’il roule sur le sec pour connaitre ses limites. Renaud possède un excellent mental ce qui lui permet d’évoluer intelligemment et de ne pas bruler les étapes. Il doit encore travailler ses déplacements sur la moto et la prise de freins. »

En effet, le freinage est la plus grosse difficulté rencontrée par Renaud. « J’ai un peu de mal à freiner fort. Je coupe les gaz un peu tôt et je perds facilement une à deux secondes à certains endroits. Je ne suis pas encore assez en confiance avec les pneumatiques et la machine. Je veux prendre le temps d’apprendre pour éviter la chute. Il faut que j’arrive à bien mémoriser le circuit pour me concentrer uniquement sur le pilotage et les trajectoires ».

Renaud va poursuivre son apprentissage dans de meilleures conditions, on l’espère, sur le circuit d’Issoire et à Magny-Cours avec un stage de trois jours. « J’ai besoin de rouler et d’affiner mon pilotage. Le Bol d’Or sera vite là et j’ai vraiment hâte d’y être. Après l’avoir vécu de l’intérieur, j’ai l’opportunité d’évoluer sur un grand circuit avec des pilotes brillants. Je veux me faire plaisir avant de retrouver mes perches et mes championnats. »

Retrouvez l’intégralité de l’interview de Renaud Lavillenie en vidéo :

from motoracinglive.com

2014 Jaguar XFR-S to be exhibited at Goodwood tomorrow

Priced in UK from 79,995 GBP

Jaguar will bring a 2014 XFR-S wearing Italian Racing Red paint tomorrow to Goodwood Hill.

It will be driven by Andy Wallace who won the 1988 edition of the 24-hour Le Mans. The XFR-S will be showcased together with a 1962 Jaguar Mk II tweaked by Jaguar Heritage Racing, along with a 1954 "short nose" Jaguar D-Type (chassis No. 1).

As a reminder, the 2014 Jaguar XFR-S has a 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine producing 542 hp (405 kW) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque linked to an 8-speed gearbox with Quickshift developed by ZF. It needs 4.6 seconds to complete the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) run and will reach an electronically-capped top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).

It rides on 20-inch Varuna forged alloy wheels and comes with a recalibrated Electronic Active Differential and Dynamic Stability Control system. The XFR-S has received a deeper front bumper with more generous lower central and side air intakes, extended side sills and a carbon fiber front splitter. The rear shows a wider bumper with a carbon fiber diffuser, as well as a huge spoiler for improved air flow management.

In the United States it has a starting price of 99,000 USD while in UK it costs from 79,995 GBP. The 2014 XFR-S is available for order.

Source: Jaguar

via WORLCARFANS

Alonso and Massa in the 458 Italia

Having fun while working

Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa were asked by Ferrari to take the 458 Italia for a quick spin at Circuit de Catalunya.

Both of them got their turn behind the wheel of the 458 and tackled the Spanish circuit for Ferrari's latest promotional clip. Comparing the two driving styles, Massa seems to be a bit smoother with the steering wheel, while Alonso has a more aggressive approach.

As a reminder, the 2013 F1 season debuted yesterday with the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne where Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus) took the win, followed by Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull). Felipe Massa grabbed fourth place, while behind him came Lewis Hamilton at his first race with Mercedes.

Source: Ferrari

via WORLDCARFANS

MERAVIGLIOSA !

 



 
MERAVIGLIOSA by southgarage

11ème Salon du Vintage : les Royal Enfield à l'honneur

Du 22 au 24 mars à l'Espace des Blancs Manteaux à Paris Pas la peine d'être féru de mode et de suivre les tendances les plus pointues pour savoir que le vintage a la cote, que cela soit dans les équipements et accessoires ou directement sur les machines, le rétro fait un retour remarqué dans le monde de la moto. En témoigne les nombreuses boutiques spécialisées vintage qui fleurissent ou encore les manifestations dédiées au phénomène, à l'instar du 11ème salon du vintage qui ouvrira ses portes du 22 au 24 mars 2013 à l'Espace des Blancs Manteaux à Paris.
Une onzième édition et un succès grandissant pour cet événement Parisien devenu incontournable pour tous les amateurs de mode et d'objets des années 50 et 60. Disposées dès l'entrée du salon, les Royal Enfield donneront le ton de cette nouvelle édition où les visiteurs pourront aller à la rencontre de l'équipe de Tendance Roadster, concessionnaire Mash, Royal Enfield et importateur Métisse. Un casque GPA Carbon Solar d'une valeur de 339 € est d'ailleurs mis en jeu par le concessionnaire pour l'occasion sur son site internet.

Plus d'infos sur le 11ème Salon du Vintage

• Espace d'animations des Blancs Manteaux
• 48 rue vieille du temple 75004 Paris
• Metro Saint-Paul / Hôtel de Ville
• Entrée 3€

Plus d'infos sur les salons moto

• Toutes les actualités Agenda
• Tous les salons dans l'agenda
• www.salonduvintage.com

via lerepairedesmotards

Bentley SUV made in Bratislava ?

Won't be called Falcon

 

A new report indicates Bentley could decide to build their upcoming SUV model in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia.
It's the second time we hear about this surprising move regarding Bentley's SUV which will not be called Falcon. Company officials have confirmed a new name is in the works and will be more suitable for global markets.
 
Bentley's chief Wolfgang Schreiber is expecting an approval for production to come "very soon" and if green lighted, the SUV will be made starting 2015 or 2016. They are still analyzing the prospects of making it in Crewe and even if they don't, most of the interior parts will be shipped from there to maintain the Bentley feel inside the cabin.
 
Although we don't have an image with the final look of the car or details about pricing, Bentley has already received more than 2,000 orders. It is believed the entry-level variant will cost about 125,000 GBP (188,925 USD or 146,092 EUR) with half of the sales expected to come from United States and China, while the other half will go to Europe, Russia and the Middle East.
 

Source: autocar.co.uk
via WORLDCARFANS

GRID 2 new trailer is out

Launching in May

 

Codemasters has released a new video trailer for GRID 2 entitled "World Series Racing Part 1: An American Dream".
The latest video presents some of the U.S.-based racing available in the game, including a few scenes from the streets of Chicago, California coast and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The trailer is narrated by the Patrick Callahan, founder of World Series Racing.
GRID 2 has an experience points-based system which allows the player to accumulate fame based on his driving skills. The better you race, the more fame you will gather which will allow you to access new events, drive new cars and attract sponsors.
Codemasters has teamed up with ESPN to offer SportsCenter live-action video sequences to further enhance the gaming experience.
GRID 2 will be out on May 28 on PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Source: Codemasters Racing Studios

AMA Supercross Monster Girls vs MX World Championship Monster Girls

from TWOWHEELSBLOG
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It goes without saying that many of us would just love seeing 6 times World Champion Toni Cairoli taking on the most shiny AMA Supercross stars such as Ryan Villopoto, David Millsaps and James “Bubba” Stewart, but unfortunately it seems like the legendary Italian rider is not interested at the moment in challenging the American aces on their home soil.

In order to make up for that, we found another way to put American and European schools up against each other, though this is not the kind of challenge that would tell you which one is actually the fastest on the dirt. What we are about to introduce is somewhat hotter: it’s a confrontation between the lovely Monster Girls that can be spotted at each side of the pond, in a quest to find out who has the most fascinating umbrella girls.

Well, this might be of little or no use if you want to establish who’s actually the best on the track, but nonetheless we are pretty confident you will find it interesting anyway. Here is a nice video showing us the most intriguing ladies brought by the famous energy drink brand (which is the main sponsor of both championships) at the recent AMA round of Daytona (won by Villopoto) and MX World Championship’s Thai GP (won by Cairoli). Who do you think would deserve the crown?

Phillip Island Classic

With over four hundred historic sports and racing cars taking over the grounds of Victoria’s iconic Phillip Island circuit for a massive weekend of historic motorsport, the Phillip Island Classic is one of the world’s great historic motorsport events.

This year’s event more than lived up to expectations, and you can get a front row seat with these photos from Derek Hanbidge.

Photography by Derek Hanbidge at deejay51.com

from motorsportretro